TRUE BELIEVERS – you shall know them by their fruit!
(I wrote an article a short time ago entitled “Target Shooting.” These verses below are ones I believe should be the focus and target of true believers in Christ. If we aim at obeying these, we will keep ourselves headed in the right direction, toward pleasing God and glorifying His name.)
“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn-bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit…….Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:16,17, 20
“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” James 3:10-13
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?” “…Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” James 2:14,18
” As obedient children, DO NOT BE CONFORMED to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy IN ALL YOU DO; ” I Peter 1:14,15
“Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s [and woman’s] work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” I Peter 1:17-19
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship (this is only reasonable considering He gave His life for you). DO NOT CONFORM any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind-” Romans 12:1,2
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
“..Wake up, for the coming of our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So don’t live in darkness. Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them like dirty clothes. Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light. We should be decent and true in everything we do, so that everyone can approve of our behavior. Don’t participate in wild parties and getting drunk, or in adultery and immoral living, or in fighting and jealousy. But let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you, and don’t think of ways to indulge your evil desires.” Romans 13:11-14 (New Living Translation)
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles (unbelievers) honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:11,12
“The aim of our charge (the goal of apostolic instruction) is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” I Timothy 1:5
